America - chapter 2

When was the Treaty of Paris?

It was signed in 1783, formally ending the American Revolutionary War.

When was Pontiac’s Rebellion?

Pontiac's Rebellion took place between 1763 and 1766 as a response to British expansion into the Great Lakes region. (2000 colonists killed by the Ottawa tribe)

When was the Proclamation Act?

October 1763

When were the anti-smugglings acts?

1763, pecifically through the Sugar Act of 1764 and the Revenue Act of 1766, aimed at curbing smuggling and increasing revenue for Britain.

when was the currency act?

The Currency Act was enacted in 1764, regulating the issuance of paper money by the colonies to control inflation and stabilize the economy.

When was the Stamp Act?

The Stamp Act was enacted in 1765, requiring colonists to pay a tax on every piece of printed paper used, which fueled widespread protest and resistance among the American colonists.

when was the stamp tax congress?

October 1765

what had happened to the national debt after the 7YW ended?

the financial debt had doubled leading to financial strains on Britain and the colonies

why were the British wary of moving into lands they acquired during the 7YW?

due to potential conflicts with Native Americans and the financial burden of managing and defending those territories.

What did the British believe was the best way to prevent hostilities between the Natives and the colonists (regarding moving into the new lands)?

To limit westward expansion by the colonists through the Proclamation of 1763 and the stationing of a permanent standing army in the colonies (10,000 troops)

What was the Proclamation act?

any land claims west of the Appalachian boundary were null and void

when was the proclamation act?

1763

How much were the interest payments compared to the national income after the 7YW?

Interest payments were £4.4 mil (income was £8 mil)

what did Greenville decide as a result of the increasing interest payments (after 7YW)?

Greenville had to reduce spending and increase income → the colonists should pay for their own defence

how was the Pontiac rebellion victory related to the colonists paying for their own defence?

The Pontiac Rebellion made it clear that British troops were needed to maintain order as the British soldiers, paid by the British, secured the victory, leading to the view that colonists should contribute to their own defence costs + westward expansion should be stopped.

what is despotism?

Despotism is a system of government where a single entity rules with absolute power, often without the consent of the governed and characterized by oppression and arbitrary decision-making.

how did the colonists react to the British attempts to stop westward expansion?

they resented it

why the colonists toe expand after the 7YW?

• due to increased population

• economic opportunities

• and a desire for land

• French defeated

  believing they had the right to settle westward following Britain's victory.

what was the standing army seen as?

A tool of oppression by the British government, viewed as a threat to colonial liberties and a means of enforcing control. the army was seen as despotism (especially after salutary neglect)

why were wealthy landowners mad that they can’t expand?

because they set up companies to buy these lands

why were the colonists even more angry about the standing army? (politically and economically)

• Imposed standing army AND having to pay for it AND not represented in a parliament that had imposed this tax → oh no! The colonists are angry

why was the British militia less welcome after the 7YW?

French threat gone

What did the Proclamation Act made easier?

Proclamation Act would make it easier to tax and control the colonies as they’re kept in a smaller area

what was one of the first instances of British-colonial relations breaking down? (act)

The imposition of the Stamp Act in 1765, which required colonists to pay a tax on printed materials, ignited widespread protests and resistance among the colonies.

what was one of the first instances of British-colonial relations breaking down? (colonial action)

BRITISH AUTHORITY IGNORED when settlers moved to Allegheny Mountains and ignored the forces.

why were the anti-smuggling legislation imposed?

• Trade laws were evaded

• Customs officials were corrupt + smuggling was common

how did the British government counter the smuggling?

• Colonial customs officials had to reside in America

• Single judge in the vice admiralty court now had right in smuggling cases

– colonial juries were lenient– sentences likely harsher under a judge

what was the sugar act 1763?

The Sugar Act of 1763 was a British law that aimed to reduce colonial smuggling by imposing stricter regulations and taxes on sugar and molasses imported into the colonies, while also enforcing customs duties.

New tax to be strictly enforced under the vice admiralty court.

molasses were smuggled to avoid a 6d per gallon duty, so sugar tax imposed a 3d duty to be collected through enhanced customs. More products were also added to the enumerated commodities (coffee and wines). £500 fine for the bribed.

what was the issue with the sugar act?

It affected trade negatively and was seen as an infringement on colonial liberties. Issue was that it was also used to raise revenue without the consent of the taxed.

How many colonies had written to the British government by 1765 due to Sugar Act?

9 colonies wrote to the British government expressing their grievances regarding the Sugar Act.

what was the currency act?

The Currency Act of 1764 was a law passed by the British Parliament that regulated paper money issued by the colonies. It prohibited colonies from issuing their own currency, which caused economic hardships and increased tensions between the colonies and Britain.

impact of currency act on colonists?

• banning of colonial currency → harder to pay loans

• further evidence of centralisation

• end of war + collapse of supply demand: severe economic depression so this threatened many with bankruptcy. This resulted in a lack of funds for local transactions and increased colonial dissatisfaction with British control.

what was the stamp act crisis?

The Stamp Act Crisis (1765—66) was a significant period of colonial unrest that emerged after the British Parliament imposed the Stamp Act in 1765, requiring colonists to pay a tax on paper documents.

This led to widespread protests and the formation of groups like the Sons of Liberty, ultimately contributing to the growing desire for independence from British rule.

what was the stamp act?

A direct tax on a wide array of paper goods, including newspapers, legal documents, and licenses, requiring them to carry a tax stamp.

Who did the stamp act target?

targeted every colonist

what did Greenville do that allowed the colonists to prepare regarding the Stamp Act?

Greenville passed the Stamp Act after enforcing policies to raise revenue from the colonies, which led to organized opposition and preparation among colonists. And Greenville had warned them so they had time to prepare opposition.

what would it mean if the colonists accepted the stamp act?

It would signify acceptance of direct British taxation without representation and their absolute authority, potentially leading to further oppressive laws and decreased autonomy.

what was the opposition against the stamp act?

The opposition against the Stamp Act included widespread protests, the formation of the Sons of Liberty, and petitions to the British Parliament, as well as boycotts of British goods and widespread public demonstrations against the tax.

• Virginia Resolves (may 1765): right of parliament to tax colonists without consent was refuted.

• Several colonies drafted resolutions and organized protests, asserting their rights and rejecting the tax without representation.

• By the end of 1765, eight other colonies passes resolutions condemning the stamp act

who suggested the stamp tax congress?

The Stamp Tax Congress was suggested by prominent colonial leaders, including James Otis, as a means to unite the colonies in opposition to the Stamp Act and coordinate a collective response. It aimed to challenge British taxation directly and assert colonial rights and showed colonial unity.

when was the stamp tax congress?

The Stamp Tax Congress took place in October 1765, gathering representatives from nine colonies to discuss their opposition to the Stamp Act.

where were the sons of liberty founded?

Massachusettsin 1765, primarily in Boston as a response to British taxation.

what did the stamp tax congress preach?

Advocated for colonial rights and unity against British taxation. It called for the repeal of the act and emphasized the importance of self-governance.

who attended the stamp tax congress?

27 delegates from 9 colonies gathered to express colonial opposition to taxation without representation.

what did the stamp congress do to prevent the collection of tax

they organized boycotts of British goods and urged the colonies to resist the enforcement of the Stamp Act.

• rioted through the colonies to prevent tax collection

• tax collector officials were attacked

• mob action = British will have to use force to collect tax but most British troops were in Nova Scotia policing the Proclamation Act 1765.

• Greenville replaced by Rockingham + disruption to trade → more willingness to negotiate over tax (some members of the parliament argued the colonial grievances were valid)

who were the sons of liberty?

—semi-secret society that gained support in urban areas, especially the north

• Members were: from the elite, merchants, artisans

• The group was divided, had limited influence in the south, little rural support

• Kept the political temperature raised— in October 1765, they appealed to the public not to buy British goods until the act was repealed

• Soon the boycott spread throughout the colonies.

  They aimed to oppose British policies and organise resistance against taxation, notably the Stamp Act. They engaged in protests and acts of intimidation against tax collectors.

when did the repeal of the stamp act happen?

The repeal of the Stamp Act occurred in March 1766.

what was passed on the same day as the repeal of the stamp act?

The Declaratory Act 1766 was passed, affirming Parliament's authority to make laws (especially taxation laws) regarding the colonies.

what did the repeal of the stamp act state?

The repeal of the Stamp Act stated that the previous tax imposed on printed materials in the colonies was no longer in effect, but did not negate Parliament's right to levy taxes in the future.

what did the Declaratory Act 1766 state?

The Declaratory Act 1766 stated that Parliament had the right to make laws and impose taxes on the American colonies "in all cases whatsoever," asserting its sovereignty over the colonies.

What reaction/realisation did the colonists have due to the repeal of the Stamp Act?

The repeal of the Stamp Act led them to realise that they can successfully challenge British authority and could act united for further concessions.

what was the ideological debate?

The ideological debate centered around the extent of British authority over the colonies, particularly regarding taxation and representation, highlighting the emerging split between loyalists and those advocating for independence.

What did the ideological debate argue about?

• Taxation without representation

• Colonists realised their rights were fragile

• They didn’t want to attend parliament and be represented though– they wanted only the colonial assemblies to tax them.

• government was a contract between the governed and the governor— only if the basic were protected.

• Taxation without representation was now portrayed as despotism by the British government

when was William Pitt made Prime Minister?

1766

What were the goals of the chancellor (Townshend)?

• To raise revenue through taxes on imported goods

• assert British authority over the colonies

Under the Townshend Duties, what did Townshend impose?

import duties on various goods, including tea, glass, and paper, to raise revenue and assert British control.

Why did the colonists have to pay for the tax imposed under the Townshend Duties?

Because it was an external tax imported goods like wine, china, glass, paint, tea and paper.

what type of tax was the stamp tax?

An internal tax on printed materials in the colonies.

Difference between an internal and external tax?

An internal tax is levied directly on goods produced or consumed within the colonies, while an external tax is imposed on imported goods.

How did Townshend’s actions raise fears of despotism?

He created the American Board of Customs Commissionaires in Boston to enforce duties and the use the money raised to pay for the salaries of the officials (fears of despotism — tightened administration of the colonies)

What was the Quartering Act?

A law requiring colonial assemblies to provide housing and supplies for British troops stationed in America.

when was the quartering act?

The Quartering Act was enacted in 1765.

who accepted the quartering act?

12 out of 13 colonies (except New York)

Quartering Act was in 1767

When were the Townshend Duties?

The Townshend Duties were passed in 1767.

What was passed in response to New York not accepting the Quartering Act 1767?

The New York Suspension Act was passed, which suspended New York's legislature until it complied with the Quartering Act. Assembly from conducting any business until it provided the financial resources necessary to support the British troops.

The New York Restriction Act was enforced to compel compliance with the Quartering Act and limit legislative powers. The act restricted New York's legislative powers as a consequence.

These were to be enforced until New York complied with the Quartering Act 1767.

what did the New York Suspension and Restriction Acts cause the other colonies to think?

Issue of tyranny raised as the colonies feared they could also be suspended at any time. But they didn’t support New York and so NY had to comply.

By the time the Ny Suspension and Restraining Acts were passed, what concerns did the colonists have?

• taxation without representation

• liberty

• tyranny

• despotism

When was the period of calm during the 1770s?

The period of calm during the 1770s occurred between 1770 and 1774, following the Boston Massacre until the rise of further tensions leading to the Revolutionary War.

when was the Boston massacre?

The Boston Massacre occurred on March 1770, when British soldiers killed five colonists during a confrontation.

aim of the Townshend duties?

Aim was not to bring in revenue but to give a message about parliament sovereignty.

Why were the colonies mad over the use of the revenue collected from the Townshend duties?

Matters made worse by the government using the duties to pay officials’ salaries rather than defend colonies.

why was opposition slow to develop after the Townshend duties?

The colonists weren’t sure if the new duties violated their rights, thus hesitance to join united opposition.

who did the attacks come from against the Townshend duties?

From colonial leaders and activists, including Samuel Adams and opposition groups like the Sons of Liberty. So mostly intellectuals.

who and when was the letter from a Pennsylvania farmer written?

Written by John Dickinson in 1768, it outlined colonial grievances against British taxation without representation and how the NY assembly suspension was an attack on colonial liberty.

which colony sent out the circular letter, who wrote it and when?

The Massachusetts colony sent out the circular letter, written by Samuel Adams in 1768, calling for unified opposition to the Townshend duties which attacked colonial rights and liberties via taxation without representation.

who organised a boycott against Britain after the Townshend Duties?

Boston also organised a boycott against Britain

when did the sons of liberty organise a boycott against Britain?

in 1765 after the Stamp Act was passed.

how many colonies organised a boycott against Britain by 1769?

By 1769, 12 out of 13 colonies organised a boycott against Britain

what ports didn’t allow importation during the boycott against Britain in the 1760s?

New York and Boston

Why was establishing the American Board of Customs Commissionaires in Boston in 1767 a mistake?

Boston was the leading centre organising the boycott

and would lead to increased tensions and resistance from colonists against British authority.

Evidence of increased tensions in Boston in 1768?

Government sent too few men to stop the smuggling → unable to do their job → asked for Royal Navy support → vessel (Liberty) seized (it belonged to a Loyal Nine member) → led to a brawl in which customs officials were mobbed and by the summer of 1768, the Sons of Liberty controlled Boston.

— also calling the navy changed the focus of ideological debate from taxation to military occupation.

How did Hillsborough (the Secretary of State for colonial and American matters) make matters worse in 1768?

in 1768, → he ordered the Massachusetts assembly to rescind the circular letter which they refused → resulted in governor closing the assembly.

when did Massachusetts circulate the circular letter?

In February 1768, Massachusetts circulated the circular letter calling for colonial unity against British policies and Townshend Duties.

What added fuel to the fire in Boston in October 1768?

The arrival of British troops in Boston, which heightened tensions and fears of military oppression among the colonists.

Why did the quartered troops cause resentment in the colonists?

They had to be provided for + the troops were looking for work and willing to work for low wages

How did the colonists twist the news of the Boston massacre?

They portrayed it as a deliberate brutal attack on defenseless civilians, using propaganda to rally support against British rule.

What did the Boston massacre turn the issue of liberty into?

an issue of an arbitrary government prepared to open fire against civilians. So one side will now have to compromise.

When did Lord North come to power?

Lord North came to power in 1770 as Prime Minister of Britain.

Who did Lord North replace Hillsborough with (the secretary of state for colonial and American matters)

with a more conciliatory Earl of Dartmouth

What did Lord North do regarding the Townshend Duties?

Repealed all of the Townshend Duties (except for tea → to show parliamentary supremacy – shouldn’t get tea from anywhere other than EIC)

What were established in the early 1770s to communicate grievances quickly throughout the colonies?

Committees of Correspondence

who didn’t have Committees of Correspondence by 1774?

North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

When was the Tea Act?

The Tea Act was passed in 1773, allowing the British East India Company to sell tea directly to the colonies, undermining colonial merchants.

What was the Tea Act?

1773— EIC can export cheap tea directly to the colonies, bypassing colonial merchants. —though cheap, it would give the EIC monopoly in the tea trade and threaten colonial merchants that smuggle other tea.

This act incited widespread protest and was a catalyst for the Boston Tea Party.

How and why was the Tea Act attacked?

• The tax raised very little but the colonists believed it was another attempt at taxation.

• The act was attacked in newspapers

• Those responsible for collecting the duties at ports resigned out of fear

What happened in Boston in 1773 November?

The Boston Tea Party occurred, where colonists (60 Sons of Liberty) dumped £10,000 worth of British tea into the harbour as a protest against the Tea Act. The colonists destroyed property as an act of defiance.

When were the Intolerable Acts passed?

The Intolerable Acts were passed in 1774—5 as a response to the Boston Tea Party, aiming to punish the Massachusetts colonists for their defiance.

Where did the Boston tea party happen?

The Boston Tea Party took place in Boston Harbour, Massachusetts, on December 16, 1773, as a protest against the Tea Act.

Why were the Intolerable Acts passed?

The Intolerable Acts were passed to punish Massachusetts colonists for the Boston Tea Party and to restore order after escalating tensions between Britain and the American colonies.

(1774—5) to punish Boston.

What did the Intolerable Acts entail?

1774—5; a series of laws aimed at Massachusetts, including:

• closing Boston Harbour until cost of tea paid

• revoking its charter, so authority of assembly decreased (led to fears of despotism)

• Murder trials to be transferred to England

• A new Quartering Act imposed on all colonies

How did fear of despotism from the Intolerable Acts lead to colonial unity?

By prompting the colonies to sympathise with Massachusetts and unite in collective resistance. They feared that their assemblies will be closed as well; this encouraged the formation of the First Continental Congress, fostering a united front against British oppression.